'Oliver Loving' has a harrowing political relevance at the moment, where the titled character is paralysed mentally and physically after a school shooting in his town in Texas. The novel tells a story of family, who struggle to cope with their suffering and the lack of harmony between them. As well as the guilt and grief that they feel and a character called Rebekkah who is woven into the novel as she was a girl that Oliver loved.
Stefan Merrill Block's writing is beautifully poetic and dense, and he doesn't shy away from the big questions that are at the root of this story, particularly about love, loss and grief. As well as this, there is a prominent exploration of ethnicity and tolerance, as well as the dangers human face of living within themselves instead of speaking out to help others.
This novel is very long and at points felt like very little was happening, however, for the enveloping message of this novel and its delivery is exquisite and really made me think. The characters like Charlie and Eve were shockingly realistic and I really felt myself rooting for them, as my emotions fluctuated perfectly in tune with the novel's journey.
Stefan Merrill Block's writing is beautifully poetic and dense, and he doesn't shy away from the big questions that are at the root of this story, particularly about love, loss and grief. As well as this, there is a prominent exploration of ethnicity and tolerance, as well as the dangers human face of living within themselves instead of speaking out to help others.
This novel is very long and at points felt like very little was happening, however, for the enveloping message of this novel and its delivery is exquisite and really made me think. The characters like Charlie and Eve were shockingly realistic and I really felt myself rooting for them, as my emotions fluctuated perfectly in tune with the novel's journey.